NFINITELY various are the games that may be played with cards, and the courtesies that apply to one of the many forms of play extend over all. There are almost innumerable amusements of other kinds, harmless, social delights, to which the same general remarks apply so we bring them all under the head, Etiquette of the Card Table.

Married ladies, pronounced spinners, and elderly gentlemen are entitled to be first considered when making up your card tables, as the young have other entertainments which suit their stage of life better than Whist or Bezique. People who have attained ripe maturity are very apt to be fond of cards, backgammon or chess.

Those who think there is harm in whist should not be urged to play; scruples of conscience ought always to be respected. There are always enough players in any mixed company to supply as many sets of four as your tables will accommodate.

If asked to play, and capable of doing so, having no scruples nor engagement to prevent, etiquette requires you to join in making up the party.

Whatever the game may be, do not take a hand unless you have sufficient acquaintance to assure you that you will not mar the pleasure of others.

The card-room should be apart from the room in which the main amusements, conversation and music are carried on; but sometimes an evening is expressly given up to cards and other such quiet, reflective games. It is folly to take up cards because other amusements have failed. Whist, to be a success, must be played for its own sake.

Intimate friends and members of the same family should not play as partners, because, being acquainted with each other's mode of play, they have their opponents, who may be less accustomed players, or less craftily matched, at a great disadvantage. Husband and wife should not play as partners, lest each may see fit to admonish the other on certain shortcomings in their respective play, which either of them would overlook if the partners were not so familiar.

The rules of the game, whatever it may be, set forth in some standard authority, must be strictly conformed to by polite players.

If your partner “trumps your trick,” “returns your opponent's lead,” and “revokes,” etiquette requires you to bear your lot without repining. Bring the game to an end as soon as convenient, without showing temper, and when cards are once more on the tapis, be sure to obtain better assistance.

Some players criticise the play at the table, blaming partners and opponents without mercy; such men should play double dummy without partner or opponent.

Cards will sometimes run persistently against you and your partner, and at other times just as much in your favor; etiquette requires you to show no feeling in either case, but to play an even, pleasant, philosophic game, not tinctured by depression nor elation.

If a mistake has been made call attention to the fact, and state the rule, with the penalty for infraction; but do not engage in any debate; "the game is not worth the candle." You are playing for amusement, not fighting for an empire.

While the game proceeds, confine attention mainly to its prosecution, but that will permit a few pleasant remarks.

Those who are not playing will sometimes stand or sit near the table, conversing with the players; that is entirely wrong; only four can play at whist, and the game will tax all their powers. Some tact is necessary to prevent intrusion without seeming unsociable.

Sometimes players try to convey information to their partners as to the condition of their hands, contrary to the letter and spirit of the game. Any such action is contrary to etiquette, and must lead to unpleasantness.

The cards should lie untouched until the deal is complete, when each person should sort his hand. That brief interval may be spent in conversation.

If the game is to be played at all, it is worth playing well, and etiquette demands that you should bear your part with alacrity, or retire from the table.

When you make provision for a card party, etiquette requires you to provide new cards, and in some coteries new cards are provided for every game.

Unless the giver of the entertainment has provided cards, it is a breach of etiquette to suggest that amusement, as the host and hostess, knowing the peculiarities of every guest, as well as the genius of the locality, know best what form of pleasure will be most acceptable.

Some players are constitutionally slow, and cannot play unless permitted to ruminate. Etiquette does not require you to play with them a second time, but having entered upon the game you are expected to continue without expression of impatience.

Disputes on nice points of the game mar the enjoyment of the evening; etiquette does not permit such sins against social rites. You may be right in the contention, but you are wrong as to the means, and can reserve the point until Hoyle can be consulted.

When you have a lady as your partner, and small stakes give zest to the game, etiquette permits you to pay your joint losses, but the lady receives her winnings.

Heavy play is never in order in good society; social games should be indulged in for the amusement that results, but gambling is a vice which cannot be defended.

Out-door amusements, such as croquet, call for precisely the same courtesies as whist, chess or bezique, and the stress of city life makes such forms of pleasure for both sexes commendable.

Rules of every game are found in volumes appropriate; this chapter has only to make clear the dictum of etiquette.

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